Home Helper, Community Support Services

**Requisition Details**:
Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: Community Support Services
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings
Union/Bargaining Unit: CUPE
On Call: No

**Job Summary**:
The Home Helper provides homemaking services to individuals and families in the home or at the time of discharge from hospital. A Home Helper may be hired specifically to provide housekeeping and cleaning services at a VON facility within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management. The Home Helper collaborates with members of the health care team in meeting the needs of individuals to attain an optimal level of independence and wellbeing.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Performs housekeeping tasks reflecting the needs of the facility (program space or office)
- Interior cleaning tasks may include the need to launder linens and window coverings along with; beds, blinds, ceilings, light fixtures, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, walls, windows, wall tiles, ceiling and wall vents, televisions, floors, carpets, etc.
- Ensure the exterior walkways and outside perimeter of facility remain free of debris and obstructions.
- Collects and transports garbage and recycling to appropriate containers. Manages supply stock and informs Supervisor or designate when new supplies need to be ordered.
- Plans and organizes each day’s activities, setting priorities for activities, to effectively utilize time, energy, supplies and equipment
- Performs light housekeeping for clients in their home including (but not limited to) dusting, cleaning kitchen/bathroom, vacuuming, mopping floors, laundry, and errand service.
- Prepares meals and completes the environmental risk assessments.
- Provides companionship and conversation to the clients.
- Provides stabilization and assistance with walking.
- Provides medication reminders and appointment reminders.
- Observes and evaluates the individual's/family's home, personal situation and client/family care plan.
- Contributes to the development (with the help of the Coordinator) of the care plan.
- Communicates verbally with appropriate members of the health team regarding the management of the client's/family's homemaking, physical, and emotional needs.
- Adheres to the VON standards for conduct and behavior and upholds VON's Core Values

**External and Internal Relationships**:

- Conducts themselves in a professional manner when interacting with clients and/or colleagues

**Education, Designations and Experience**:

- High school graduate.
- Post-Secondary school education preferred.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification is required.
- Personal Support Worker or Health Care Aide certification an asset.
- 2-3 years’ experience working with children, seniors and person with disability.
- Household management or professional customer service experience preferred.
- Experience working for a professional cleaning services organization preferred.
- Experience working with people from different social and economic environments preferred.

**Skill Requirements**:

- Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good assessment skills.
- Awareness of community resources.
- Ability to take direction, as well as to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

**Other**:

- Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance
- Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well as periodically overnight(s) to support sites and attend meetings
- A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required
- A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Attention to detail; Lift and carry using appropriate lifting techniques; Bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch using good body mechanics; Walk, sit, stand, climb stairs; Hand movements.

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